22 February 2012
England will be hosting Wales at Twickenham, the home of rugby, for their all-important Six Nations clash on Saturday. This game will decide which of the two teams still have a Grand Slam and Triple Crown chance. Whoever loses will probably hope that France beats the other team to have a chance at the Six Nations title. Both teams have won their first two games although the going weren't always easy. This will be a real test of character and after the game we will know the strength each side has.
England will still be rattled after the Italy game and the mistakes they made. They gave away two easy tries both coming from their mistakes. If they do this against Wales it will be a long afternoon for them. They have a lot to work on defensively. They can't afford to miss the amount of tackles they have over the last two weekends. On attack they are good but will have to work hard to break the Welsh line.
In the scrum they will be well tested as Wales possess a great front row. The key for them in this game will be their number 10 and their mid-field pairing. If Barritt and his centre partner miss tackles they will pay dearly. Farrell will also play a big part and if he is on song England will look good. But it has been said that they are playing their "younger brother". They have momentum and according to many the team has gelled nicely.
They won the World Cup in 2003, are current Six Nations champions and Calcutta Cup holders. None of which Wales are. But that is in the past. Their youngsters will have to show they are truly good enough and play to win.
Wales are probably the underdogs for this game as it has been ages since they have won at Twickenham. They have however shown against Ireland that they can handle the pressure and come back to win the game. Against Scotland their defence was brilliant and attacking wise they are good. That they haven't won the World Cup doesn't matter. They were 2011 semi-finalists which England couldn't do. They might not be the champions but in my eyes they are the champions in waiting. Calcutta Cup: "What is that?” Wales fans will ask. If England played them for the Calcutta Cup they would not be the 2012 holders, at least not yet.
Wales have the ability, talent and experience to beat England; they just have to believe they can. Don't let the English momentum and gel scare them. Wales have as much if not more momentum and gel, well gel is supposed to go in your hair… right?
If weather and pitch conditions are good this will be a good display of rugby. Both teams are coming into the game with momentum. Discipline and patience will probably decide the game. Hopefully the referee doesn't make crucial mistakes and allows the game to flow. In the end I will go against history and past titles and back Wales to win by between 5-12 points.
Teams
Wales:
15. Halfpenny, 14. Cuthbert, 13. Davies, 12. Roberts, 11. North, 10. Priestland, 9. Phillips; 1. Jenkins, 2. Owens, 3. Jones, 4. Wyn-Jones, 5. Evans, 6. Lydiate, 7. Warburton(c), 8. Faletau.
England:
Forwards: Mouritz Botha, Alex Corbisiero, Dan Cole, Tom Croft, Phil Dowson, Dylan Hartley, Ben Morgan, Geoff Parling, Chris Robshaw, Matt Stevens, Rob Webber
Backs: Chris Ashton, Brad Barritt, Lee Dickson, Owen Farrell, Toby Flood, Ben Foden, Charlie Hodgson, Courtney Lawes, David Strettle, Manusamoa Tuilagi, Ben Youngs
